Experience Tea Ceremony: Top 6 Workshops in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Sapporo

Attend a Tea Ceremony in Japan

Tea ceremony is an important part of Japanese culture and history.

The style and procedures for the tea ceremony were established in the latter half of the 16th century through the contributions of tea masters such as Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) and have continued to evolve ever since. Once enjoyed exclusively by the nobility, the tea ceremony has spread to the masses and anyone can learn and practice it.

More than just enjoying matcha tea and traditional sweets, attending a tea ceremony in Japan is a chance to learn more about Japanese culture as a whole.

Read on to learn about six tea ceremony experiences offered by professional tea masters in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Sapporo. By joining one of these workshops, you'll learn the basics of Japanese tea ceremony!

6 Authentic Tea Ceremony Experiences in Japan

1. Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden in Kyoto
2. Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Townhouse and Kimono Experience
3. Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto
4. Sapporo: Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience
5. Tokyo: Tea Ceremony Experience at Komaba Warakuan
6. Asakusa Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience in Tokyo

1. Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden in Kyoto

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Hidden away in the heart of Kyoto you can find Hakusa Sonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden and Museum. Once the home to one of Japan's most famous 20th-century painters, Hashimoto Kansetsu, this villa is now a museum where visitors can enjoy a tea ceremony with magnificent views of the tranquil Japanese-style garden that inspired the painter.

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Performing the elegant tea ceremony is Junko Sophie Kakizaki, a decedent of an ancient samurai clan with around 900 years of history, the Junko Kakizaki clan.

An advocate of Japanese traditional arts, Kakizaki-san has a deep-rooted connection to Japanese traditional crafts and history. Mastering the tea ceremony, she is also a master of ikebana, Japan's beautiful art of flower arranging. Further trained in French flower arrangement and an expert in kimono culture, she is the perfect example of how Japan's people treasure their culture and are determined to preserve it.

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Guests are welcome to sit comfortably during the ceremony and later admire the beautiful grounds of the garden and art museum, which showcases Kansetsu's works. The tea ceremony takes one hour and can be booked at three available times: 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00.

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As an option, you can also choose to add a kaiseki meal set to enjoy as part of the tea ceremony. Kaiseki cuisine is deeply connected to tea ceremony culture; every dish is exquisite and reflects seasonal features.

Enjoying refined Kaiseki cuisine and masterfully prepared tea in this historical building is a rare opportunity that most tourists, and even Kyoto locals, have yet to experience!

Book the Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden in Kyoto

2. Kyoto: Traditional Townhouse Tour, Kimono Experience, and a Tea Ceremony

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Tomita-ya, a traditional 140-year-old machiya (townhouse) is open for visitors to explore its beautiful architecture and gardens while experiencing a tea ceremony.

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Boasting six gardens, three storehouses, two wells, and a Noh theater stage, Tomita-ya was registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan in 1999. Visitors can choose from three different tea ceremonies and explore the house while wearing a beautiful silk kimono.

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The silk kimono can be easily fitted over your clothes, making it easy for all to wear.

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Japanese sweets are served as you rest on your seat while watching the tea ceremony. After drinking soothing green tea in a Japanese-style room, you can take photos, then venture into the property to discover its rooms and even a treasure house with beautiful gardens.

Book the Traditional Townhouse Tour, Kimono Experience, and Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

3. Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto

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Attend a Japanese tea ceremony in the heart of a historical townscape with great views of Kamogawa River.

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This workshop introduces guests to the basics of tea ceremony, from how to make tea to its etiquette and history. You'll be learning facts and information about Kyoto while unwinding with a cup of matcha.

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Tea masters perform the ceremony revealing stories about the utensils used in tea ceremony and offering Japanese sweets.

In spring, this workshop becomes irresistible due to the cherry blossom-filled views of the Kamogawa River.

Book the Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto

4. Kimono Rentals and Tea Ceremony Experience in Sapporo

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Promoting harmony and tranquility, tea ceremonies are a perfect example of Japan’s delicate traditional craftsmanship that has been preserved with care. Located close to Sapporo station sits FURISODE Furifuri Mode, a peaceful tea room that offers three different workshops for its guests to choose from.

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Visitors can attend a 60-minute tea ceremony workshop with a tea master, or opt for a 120-minute experience and drink tea while wearing a kimono. A special photo shoot inside the ground's photo studio is included in this deal!

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If you plan to explore the city after enjoying a bowl of tea, why not choose the third plan and experience walking around Sapporo while wearing a kimono of your choice?

In each of the three plans, traditional sweets will be served alongside the green tea.

Book the Kimono Rental and Tea Ceremony Experience in Sapporo

5. Tea Ceremony Experience at Komaba Warakuan in Tokyo

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Komaba Warakuan is a quaint tea house located in Tokyo's Setagaya ward, which many people may know for Gotokuin, the famous cat temple!

At this facility, both experienced tea ceremony practitioners and beginners can enjoy authentic tea ceremonies.

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A friendly tea master will serve usucha, a type of matcha tea with a pleasant, mild flavor, along with traditional sweets. Guests can choose between three different types of tea to try all the various flavors.

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Close to central Tokyo, it is a perfect tea ceremony workshop for those visiting the city, especially those on their way to Gotokuji Temple.

This is a tea ceremony of the Kobori-Enshu style offered in a calm and friendly atmosphere. The staff are happy to escort you from the local station.

Book the Tea Ceremony Experience at Komaba Warakuan

6. Asakusa Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience in Tokyo

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A 3-minute walk from the iconic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is the teahouse Hanyaka.

They have about 500 high-quality kimonos and yukatas (light kimonos) for customers to choose from. Gorgeous hair accessories are also available free of charge from June to October. You can even get a free selfie stick!

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Guests will first wash their hands in the garden as it is customary before a tea ceremony then enter the tea room. The tea ceremony lasts for about one hour. You'll be able to learn basic procedures and take a close look at the precious utensils used by the tea master.

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After enjoying a bowl of matcha tea, you can wander around Asakusa wearing the elegant kimono all as part of the package. The kimonos can be taken out all day and need to be returned by 17:00.

Book the Asakusa Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience in Tokyo

Enjoy a Tea Ceremony in Japan

Attending an authentic tea ceremony in Japan is a unique experience that should not be missed. Regardless of your budget, there are many opportunities for those who wish to enjoy a tea ceremony. Choose one of the workshops featured above and immerse yourself in the world of ancient Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

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